KPMG chair Bill Michael tests positive for coronavirus

The logo of KPMG, a professional service company, is seen at La Defence business and financial district in Courbevoie near Paris, France. May 16, 2018. REUTERS/ FILE

British accounting firm KPMG's Chairman Bill Michael has tested positive for the coronavirus, a spokesman for the company said late on Friday, reports Reuters.

Britain has so far recorded more than 14,500 cases of the highly contagious virus which causes the COVID-19 disease.

"We can confirm that Bill Michael has tested positive for COVID-19. He is receiving the best available care and we are all sending him our best wishes for a speedy recovery," the spokesman said in an emailed statement.

KPMG Deputy Chair Melanie Richards will lead the accounting firm in Michael's absence, the statement said. It did not say whether any other KPMG executives or employees were being quarantined or tested.

The Financial Times reported earlier that Michael had tested positive and was being treated in hospital.

The United Kingdom has so far reported more than 750 deaths from the outbreak. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Minister Matt Hancock are among those who have tested positive.

Johnson ordered Britons on Monday to stay at home to halt the spread of the virus.